CHS Robotics team hosts 

first-ever FTC scrimmage in Library

11 teams compete in a "Field" of challenges and innovation

This was a first.

Canton High School's robotics team is in its second year and has a ton of momentum going into this season's series of competitions. But Thursday marked a whole new experience -- Canton High School and the CHS Robotics team hosted its first FTC scrimmage!

The CHS Robot -- with its special scoop
and a hook for the pull up.

Around 4 p.m., 11 teams converged on the CHS Library and prepared for several rounds of competition. Each team entered with its robot in hand (some had creative carts), boxes of tools and an intense focus. You could just tell the students and their coaches loved this type of challenge -- even though it was a scrimmage. Competition is competition.

Robotics requires a passion for building/design, problem-solving, innovation, creativity, critical thinking and technology. The robot is designed and constructed to accomplish the tasks set forth by FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge).

The Field -- featuring the ramp and pull up bar, the blocks
and containers and the PVC flag poles.

This year, for example, a team's robot needs to pick up plastic blocks and place them in a container, turn a handle and raise a flag, and finally climb a ramp and do a pull-up on a bar!

Of course, the robot needs to be sturdy and mobile enough to compete within the "field" -- the name of the competition area. CHS' entry is Robot 6040, and it features a special scoop manufactured at CHS and a hook that is used for the pull up. Additionally, it can be controlled wirelessly.

Tools of the trade

The scrimmage was an incredible success and a tremendous learning experience for the many students
who competed. It was a great learning event for Canton High School as well, providing students, staff and administration with an up-close look at the field of robotics -- the epitome of 21st century learning and essential skills for the future workforce.

Kudos to CHS teacher and Robotics coach Mrs. Healey and the Robotics team for coordinating a great event. Her unwavering dedication to this group is incredible. Her vision was on display.

The following are Mrs. Healey's and CHS' notes of thanks.

A job well done to the CHS Robotics team: Peter Bartlett, Sebastien Casimir, Andre Chmyrov, Albert Demeers, Quentin Germain, Chris Gildea, Max Godbey, Daniel Guan, Noah Healey, and Jason Reese.  

Thank you to the visiting schools: Notre Dame Academy, Needham High School (2 teams), Lincoln, the British School of Boston, Woburn, and Beaver Country Day School in Brookline (3 teams), and St. John's Prep. Nearly 120 students were involved, and we had around 30-40 spectators.

A huge thanks to CHS teacher Kirk Pantos for his work with the Robotics team.  Kirk, you are wonderful with your students and the team.  I appreciate your work, your advice and your unique perspective.  Much of the team's growth and success is due to you!

A shout out to CHS television/video teacher Ed McDonough and student producers Daniel Guan and Molly Manning for documenting this experience through pictures and video. The documentary on technology and the team video is going to be outstanding.

To Della Larsen and her 8th grade robotics team members who volunteered (Thomas Cahill, Geofrrey Bonnanzio, Mathew Larsen and Jack Healey) from the FLL team The Robots Downstairs -- thank you for escorting the arriving teams up to the library and helping out in numerous ways throughout the scrimmage. We look forward to you joining the CHS Robotics team next year.

To our parent volunteers, John Bartlett and John Healey: I thank you for coordinating the food for the evening.  You did a great job feeding all those people smoothly and efficiently, even with a team showing up unexpectedly.

To Loretta Bassette and your volunteers from Massachusetts FTC, thanks for all the time and effort you put into bringing robotics to the students here in Canton and around the State.

Thank you to the Canton staff members: Librarian Joanne Teliszewski for hosting the event in the library; Ed Amico for coordinating student volunteers (Derek, Cory and Nathan) to reset the playing "field"; the custodial staff for setting up and creating a great environment for the event; and staff and administration for support and encouragement.

Interested?

If any student is interested in joining the Robotics Team, please see Mrs. Healey or email her at healeyk@cantonma.org. The team is looking to grow and develop. New members are welcome! Want to learn more about FTC, click here.

What's next?
The CHS Robotics Team will compete in the FTC Qualifier in Milton on Feb. 2. Good luck!

Photos by Jeff Granatino, April Goran and Derek Folan